About Our District

Essex Westford School District (EWSD), established in 2017, serves roughly 4,500 students. The district beautifully describes itself as ‘10 schools, 3 communities, 1 school district’ unified around a common vision of “growing hearts and minds, for a better today and tomorrow: every day, every way, every one.” With this inclusive spirit at the forefront, the district continues to serve the communities of Essex Town, Essex Junction, and Westford in Vermont.

Now in its 8th year, EWSD has established itself as a pillar of these communities with schools and programs designed to prepare students for the future. The district is working hard to meet the needs of the students it serves and has taken bold steps to define the critical skills needed for success which are articulated in the portrait of a graduate and has passed an equity policy that further cements its core beliefs about inclusion and belonging for all students served by the district.

Founding Superintendent Beth Cobb has announced her retirement and the board, with support from Alma Advisory Group, is conducting a search for the next superintendent who will build on the strong foundation established by the prior administration and continue to strengthen EWSD by charting its path into the future.

About the Superintendent Role

Reporting to the ten elected school board members and two student board members, the superintendent serves as the face of the district, a leader in the community, and a champion for the needs of EWSD students and families.

The person in this position will oversee a $90 to $100MM budget, make critical decisions to advance academic achievement, improve and maximize the district's effectiveness, unify key stakeholders, and build trust throughout the community. They will bring the vision and leadership skills necessary to build on existing successes while tackling challenges and opportunities. The superintendent should possess the cultural competence to embrace and leverage the unique strengths of all schools while maintaining a keen focus on accelerating learning for all students.

Key Responsibilities (“The What”)

Establish a clear vision and strategy that ensures students attain the skills needed to succeed

• Partner with students, staff, families and the EWSD Board to develop a vision for EWSD that will guide us into the next 5 to 10 years.
• Oversee the implementation of innovative instructional strategies aimed at improving student outcomes and academic achievement.
• Ensure that EWSD's mission, vision, and key priorities are clearly communicated, well understood and that they resonate with all stakeholders, providing a sense of purpose and direction.
• Create excitement and enthusiasm, motivating others to invest in the journey and stay focused on achieving long-term goals.
• Lead by example in demonstrating commitment and passion for the future of the district.

Develop a human resource leadership model that prioritizes equity, efficiency and effectiveness

• Ensure that roles and responsibilities are clearly defined and articulated throughout the organization.
• Identify opportunities for cross-functional collaboration, leadership growth, and alignment of teams to improve efficiency and support.
• Attract, recruit, retain, develop, and inspire highly qualified, effective, and diverse staff in every layer of the organization.
• Assess the leadership team’s skills, identify development needs, and provide feedback and support to improve practice, build capacity, and maximize talent.

Serve as a visible culture builder that strengthens and nurtures environments that are trustworthy, inclusive, accessible and welcoming for all members of the community

• Serve as a daily role model for districtwide values, demonstrating integrity, respect, accountability and collaboration in every interaction.
• Foster a work environment that celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring every employee feels respected, seen, valued and empowered.
• Inspire and engage employees by being visible and recognizing contributions, providing regular feedback and creating opportunities for professional growth and personal development.
• Build trust through clear and open communication and ensure transparency in decision-making processes, promoting a culture of honesty and reliability.
• Hold all members of the organization to high standards of accountability, promoting shared responsibility for achieving both individual and team goals.

Steward the success, sustainability, and equity of the district’s finances and operations

• Ensure the financial sustainability and equitable distribution of resources through the effective management of district finances.
• Work creatively to maximize resources and maintain focus on evidence-based practices that align with the strategic plan at the school and systems level.
• Direct the identification and expansion of funding opportunities through bonds, referendums, grants, and legislation.
• Prepare and submit to the Board a proposed annual budget reflecting the Board’s defined goals, policies, priorities, and the district’s strategic plan. Engage the community to help mold budget priorities.
• Manage the daily operations of the district within defined policy parameters, ensuring effective planning, supervision, execution and evaluation of the programs, services, and facilities of the district.
• Work collaboratively with the School Board, city leaders, school leaders, parents, and community to develop a long-term strategic facilities plan.
• Demonstrate transparency about budgeting priorities and expenditures.

Serve as a champion and advocate for healthy and safe environments

• Create and foster conditions for staff to collaborate, feel supported and valued, and have the mental health supports needed to do their best work on behalf of the students.
• Advocate for policies and procedures that support employees’ well being, with an emphasis on reducing burnout and turnover.
• Assess current conditions related to facility health and maintenance; respond accordingly to ensure student and staff safety and well-being.
• Promote eco-friendly initiatives that ensure a sustainable, healthy environment for both employees and the broader community.
• Ensure that health and safety practices accommodate the diverse needs of students and staff, including individuals with physical, mental, or emotional health conditions.